The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Politicians, representatives of the civil society and jute experts at a dialogue in the city urged the government to withdraw 'suicidal' reform programme in the jute sector and plan a national jute policy.

They also urged the government to cancel the decision of closing all the jute mills in the country and withdraw the policy of termination of jute mill workers and employees.

They recommended the government to find out those persons who were responsible for the ruination of the jute sector and give them exemplary punishment. They urged the government to ensure multipurpose use of jute-based products in the market.

The dialogue on 'Remedies to Protect Jute Resource' was organised by Nagorik Sanghati at the National Press Club yesterday.

Syed Abul Maksud, columnist, presided over the dialogue, while Col (Retd) Faruk Khan, Awami League leader, GM Kader, leader of Jatiya Party, Salauddin Ahmed, former secretary, Dr Gul Hossain, agriculture expert, Shahidullah Chowdhury, jute workers' representative, Yunus Mia, jute businessman representative, sculptor Rasha, among others, spoke on the occasion.

The speakers said the government should pay all dues of the workers and employees of the closed jute mills.

They urged the government to declare the minimum price of jute for ensuring its appropriate rate and to take step for collection of sufficient jutes.

They also urged the government to ensure high quality of jute seeds, fertiliser and insecticides in subsidised rates for the farmers and supply these in appropriate time.

They recommended the government to give priority to all state-run jute mills for the economic development of the country.